Spread over a wide area and perhaps overshadowed by its more famous neighbour (the Dordogne), the Lot still has plenty to interest you during your holiday, with enchanting towns and villages, spectacular rivers, chateaux, caves and more besides.  Also, although a long way from the sea, there are no shortage of swimming lakes (Base de Loisirs) where you can cool down in those hot summer months.

Description: Created by the city authorities as an educational tourist attraction. A significant part of Toulouse’s industry is based around Space Technology – the Cité de L’Espace provides a showcase for it. Here you will find some excellent interactive exhibitions and shows, with guided tours and lectures available. It’s not particularly cheap (up to €70* for a family of four at the time of writing) but we consider it good value all the same. And definitely much less expensive than a mainstream theme park.

Location:  Exit 17 from the Toulouse ring road (part of the A62 Bordeaux to Montpellier Autoroute), follow signs.  Free parking.

General Info: Open 9.30AM – 7.30PM in peak season with late opening on Thursday evenings. Prices for high season:  €22* adult (normal rate), €20* (reduced); €60* child 5-15 years (normal rate), €14* (reduced).  Reduced tariffs apply for families of 2 adults & 2 children.  Please visit their website  for further information.

Our recommendations: Don’t miss the life size replica of the MIR space station as well as the 150ft tall Ariane space ship.  If you want an action packed day, combine your visit to the space museum with a visit to the Airbus factory, Europe’s largest aircraft factory on a grand scale.  The guided tours take about 1 ½ hours and must be booked in advance.

For the children: The 3D IMAX experience will be enjoyed by everyone and although the park is not targeted for really young children, the whole family can still enjoy a day here.

 

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to Lot et Garonne: